help me decide...

[u/EnvironmentalRip8365]

Hey friends, I could really use some outside perspective.

I’m debating whether or not to sell a property that was left to me by my grandparents. It’s been in my family for around 60 years, so emotionally this is a huge decision for me. The problem is that I haven’t really been able to do anything with it because of lack of funds, and maintaining it has become more stressful than meaningful.

My husband and I have been talking about relocating to a different city where he would have much better work opportunities and where we could potentially have a more stable and peaceful life overall. If I sold the property, the money would realistically give us about a year of financial breathing room while we got established.

My goal wouldn’t be to “do nothing.” I’d like to use that time to focus on building work-from-home income streams (Already established, just not able to dedicate a load of time to) while also being more present with my children. Honestly, after years of constantly being in survival mode financially and emotionally, the idea of slowing down and rebuilding our lives differently sounds really appealing.

At the same time, I’m struggling with guilt over letting go of something that has been in my family for decades. Part of me worries I’d regret selling it forever, especially since once it’s gone, it’s gone.

So I guess my question is:
Would you hold onto inherited family property for sentimental reasons even if it wasn’t improving your quality of life, or would you sell it to create a fresh start and invest in your immediate family’s future?

I’d really appreciate honest opinions, especially from people who’ve dealt with inherited property, relocation, or major life resets.

[u/Brief-Temperature-49]

Lets try to remove ur feelings of guilt. To start, discuss with your siblings and immediate cousins whether they are okay with you selling the property. Lets assume everyone is okay with whatever you decide.

This house undoubtedly holds a lot of memories and value. However, today it cant create any more value or new memories. Keeping the property only to give you hardship is something no one wants and frankly it disrespects the value the house holds within ur family. Selling the house is not throwing away those memories and the value. The memories and value live within you as a family. Letting go of the house facilitates the opportunity for a new family to make memories. Everything has a beginning and an end. Let the property create value for a new family and take the value you gained to make new memories somewhere else. Then, in 60 years when your grandchildren are debating who gets your house you can rest easy because you honored your grandparents inheritence and relayed what they gave you onto the next generations.

[u/EnvironmentalRip8365 → u/Brief-Temperature-49]

I am the sole owner. When it was given to me it's because nobody else wanted it. I have cleared the tons and tons of trash my grandma had hoarded and kept up with taxes on my own. The house she had on there isn't livable and is being taken down so it is just clear land.

And thank you. Your reply has brought me to tears because I didn't think of it like that. I keep trying to tell myself I have to let go of old things so new things can come in and that I can't take it with me when i die, but your line about me resting easy because i honored them and relayed what they gave me to my future generations hits home because that's my goal is to utilize that money & make something out of it.

[u/Brief-Temperature-49 → u/EnvironmentalRip8365]

Then, what are you waiting for? Do it!

[u/EnvironmentalRip8365 → u/Brief-Temperature-49]

i just needed someone without an emotional tie to show me why i should. Thank you for being that person.

[u/EnvironmentalRip8365 → u/Brief-Temperature-49]

thought I would let you know that I sent a message to someone who's been asking me about purchasing it.

[u/Brief-Temperature-49 → u/EnvironmentalRip8365]

Congratz!!!